This interactive session will explore how generative AI can be used as a learning partner to cultivate higher-order thinking and critical engagement in the classroom. Participants will engage in hands-on exercises and reflect on ways to integrate AI meaningfully into teaching. The session will also focus on insights from the “Thinking Critically with Generative AI” project, recently piloted at UTK, showcasing how effective AI integration can support student reasoning, higher order thinking, and critical reflection.  ============================================================================= Dr. Fatima Zahra is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. She is also the founder of Artificial Intelligence, Race, and Evaluation (AIRE) Lab based at UTK. Her work focuses on designing socially just, culturally responsive education and labor market interventions that leverage technology responsibly. At AIRE Lab, she and her team explore how artificial intelligence, evaluation, and policy can disrupt inequalities and expand opportunities for marginalized communities.

Grow your skills in online classroom management with our Online Course Delivery training, part of the Online Teaching and Learning Certificate Series. In this facilitated, asynchronous two-week course, you will be empowered to effectively teach online, addressing common challenges associated with online teaching. You will explore social presence and engagement strategies, leverage instructional technologies for better course management and communication, and strategies for providing meaningful feedback to foster student success. By the end of the course, you will be ready to teach an interactive, inclusive, and well-managed online course. This course runs from March 30 to April 10.

Join the February OPC meeting to learn more about Digital Learning’s online student success efforts. We’ll share how our team supports fully online learners from admission confirmation through program completion, what resources are available to online students, and how we collaborate across the institution to improve engagement, retention, and student outcomes. This session is ideal for anyone who works with or supports online students. The session will be hosted by Digital Learning’s Director of Online Student Success, Donald B. Scott.

Teaching with Generative AI is an introductory three-week, asynchronous course designed to help educators build practical skills for using generative AI tools in their teaching. In this course, you will explore the basics of Generative AI (GenAI), examine real-world examples of its use in education, and gain hands-on experience with tools that can support both teaching and learning. The course also addresses key ethical, privacy, and academic integrity considerations, helping you make informed decisions about incorporating AI in your courses. In addition, you will learn strategies for guiding students in the appropriate and responsible use of AI within academic contexts. This course runs from April 13 to May 1.

This is an instructor focused workshop and only faculty/staff or GTAs may enroll.

This session offers an opportunity for instructors to engage in a live, informal conversation about teaching and learning in digitally supported environments. Facilitated by Tricia Bertram Gallant, the author of The Opposite of Cheating, the session will focus on themes raised throughout the Lifelong Learning Book Club series, and their relevance to contemporary instructional practice. Participants will have the chance to explore ideas related to course design, assessment, and learning cultures, and to consider how trust, transparency, and student engagement can be supported across instructional contexts. This Brown Bag is presented in collaboration with Teaching and Learning Innovation, and the Department of Psychology.

Digital Learning has two lecture capture rooms, a 1200 sq ft studio space, and a professional team of video producers, interactive & graphic designers to help you create unique media elements to help enhance your course. Please note,the space is a working studio, so various sets and projects may be on display during tours.   Located in the Kingston Pike Building, 2309 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN

Are you interested in promoting quality online learning at UT? Are you looking for opportunities to either enhance the quality of your online course through a peer review, or support a colleague with valuable feedback? We are hosting three drop-in information sessions for those interested in learning more about Digital Learning's Engaged Online Course review process. Bring your questions regarding becoming a Peer Reviewer or having your course reviewed. Join UT’s Engaged Online Course Coordinator for one of these 30-minute sessions.

In response to popular demand and the rapidly evolving world of Generative AI (GenAI), Digital Learning is launching a GenAI-focused Community of Practice for UTK online instructors. This community will provide a space for faculty, staff, and instructors to come together, share their experiences using GenAI, and learn from one another. Whether you want to show how you’re using GenAI in creative ways or are simply curious about how others are incorporating it into their teaching and professional work, this is the place for you. Join DL staff and your peers to explore unique use cases, exchange ideas, and discover new possibilities. The main goal of this community is “show and tell.” Come prepared to share how you have used, or attempted to use GenAI, and hear from colleagues who are experimenting with GenAI. Each session lasts 45 minutes.

In this interactive workshop led by instructional Designer Tonya Mathis, instructors will learn practical tools and strategies for designing accessible, ADA-aligned asynchronous online courses. Participants will explore accessibility tools in the LMS, as well as best practices for creating accessible documents, media, and engaging learning activities. The session includes hands-on practice and action planning, so you leave with clear next steps to improve accessibility and support student success in your course design.

Engaging students in online courses continues to be a significant challenge across higher education. Based on practical examples and research‑supported strategies, this session highlights how to help students understand the deeper purpose behind course content, while intentionally leveraging pop culture as a powerful pedagogical tool to increase motivation, and foster community within online classrooms. In this session, Instructional Designers Scarlett Lopez and Jennifer Chien will explore the benefits of pop culture use, as well as the risks of cultural misalignment, and stereotype reinforcement. Participants will leave with actionable strategies to integrate thoughtful cultural references, clarify the “why” behind course content, and create more relatable and meaningful online learning experiences.

This is an instructor focused workshop and only faculty/staff or GTAs may enroll.

Join the April OPC meeting, Online Programs and Out of State Students. Jennifer Gramling, Digital Learning’s Executive Director of Online Programs, will lead this session exploring important considerations for out-of-state students in online degree programs. Discussion topics will include state authorization compliance, federal regulations for programs leading to licensure, and the reporting of out-of-state learning placements.